Mariano Rivera speaks for the first time since signing what could be his final contract

Newark Star-Ledger | Dec 5

Mariano Rivera spoke for the first time since signing his new one-year contract, which could be worth up to $10 million with incentives. Appearing on the Michael Kay Show on ESPN Radio, Rivera touched on a number of subjects.

"I missed the game but not the traveling," Rivera said. "That was the time when I didn't know if I wanted to come back again."

As to why he decided to come back, Rivera reiterated what he said in May, when he tore his ACL in Kansas City, "I didn't want to leave the game the way I did this year. That pushed me. Give me a chance to go out there again and try to win another World Series."

Will this definitely be his final season?

"It could be," Rivera said. "I will tell the guys in spring training. I don't want to break that promise."

Asked if he was confident he could pitch at his usual high level after a year off, Rivera said, "Definitely. Otherwise I would be there. I always ask myself for a level. I feel great. I've started running. The knee feels great and it's getting better every day."